How I got started skiing year-round: While hiking at Paradise in June 1989 I saw some skiers skiing below Pan Point. I thought it would be neat for me to ski on the Fourth of July. It didn't happen but my streak started in November '89 at Paradise on Mt. Rainier. While on my July 4th ski in 1990 I thought to myself "This was easy, I wonder if I can string 12 months together?". I did and the rest is history.Criteria for what counts as a ski trip: In order for a ski trip to count for me it had to : A. Take place in Washington B. Consist of 1000 feet of vertical skiing.Biggest threat to my streak: In March 1998 I took an early retirement at the ripe old age of 55 to travel and get another life. Fiji in November/December & Belize in February were destinations which somehow conflicted with my monthly ski quest. I can honestly say that I would rather be diving at a depth of 110 feet in 80 degree water with unlimited visibility than picking my way by Braille down the Muir Snowfield in a howling whiteout. What a wuss, eh? Also injuries/surgeries: My injuries consisted of having to have 'scope surgery on my right shoulder as a result of a nasty fall while skiing bullet proof conditions on Mt. Bachelor Memorial Day 1991; Broken finger, smashed left radius, concussion, numerous scalp wounds from riding an avalanche June 1992 above Summerland; Left rotator cuff repair as a result of falls while skiing and snowboarding at Alpental in Spring of 1997. I planned all surgeries around monthly ski quests and skied against doctors orders with the help of friends packing my gear in.Type of equipment I use: Started out on Asolo Extremes and Atomic skis. After wearing out two pairs of Asolos and breaking/bending numerous skis I currently ski on T-2's and Tua Montet MX's. This is not an endorsement for either of these products since I've mangled earlier models of both the ski and boot. I think my current gear has lasted this long because I'm just not skiing as much as I did before I retired.Strategy for skiing through the low season: Think positive! Think snow! Think turns! Think comaraderie! You will find the snow .... I did!Worst and best backcountry ski trips: All trips were great though some were greater than others.Skiing activities in the past year: ...I haven't skied since July 4th, 2003,north side of Sour Dough Ridge.